The furniture staple of any living room is the sofa. It allows for family and friends to gather, relax and conduct memorable conversations. However, all couches are not created equal. There’s a wide range of style options available when it comes to comfortable seating, so we've put together a guide of sofa types to help you find the best piece for your living room or other common area.
Chesterfield
The Chesterfield has an interesting history, dating back to the mid-1700s when the Earl of Chesterfield dreamed of a sofa that would allow him to sit up straight and not wrinkle his attire. He commissioned a local craftsman to construct his vision, and the result was the tufted back couch we still see today. A fun twist on this Old World style can be found in this Adam tufted sofa from J. Robert Scott. Its smooth leather finish and classic style would fit nicely in a study, library or den.
Camelback
The camelback's trademark is an arched back with either one hump or two, just like its namesake. The center descends gradually into the arms of the sofa. The antique versions of this style had exposed wooden legs and wooden framing along the back and arms. Today, you can find the camelback in leather or upholstery such as this beige silk find from Baker Furniture. It would make a lovely addition to your living room or formal parlor.
Daybed
The daybed is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture in existence. It's a couch by day and a bed by night, which makes it a perfect option for a studio apartment with minimal space for overnight guests. It's also a good choice for a spare bedroom for when you have a larger group staying, as it allows for extra seating and sleeping space. Holly Hunt has some nice options, including this Garbo daybed, which is inconspicuously glamorous.
Settee
The settee, or loveseat, is a romantic option for the bedroom. With just enough space to seat two, this style makes for a cozy yet attractive couch. The Paolo loveseat by Holland and Sherry, with its sleek gray upholstery and exposed dark wood extremities, is a perfect combination of modern and vintage.
Sectional
If entertaining is your forte, you might consider a seating option that allows for more guests to congregate. This chocolate sectional from Adriana Hoyos is an ideal solution, allowing for five to six people to comfortably recline against its plush pillows. If cream isn't your color, you can choose from a variety of finishes and colors to suit your decor. This style of sofa would make for perfect home theater seating in a movie room or basement entertainment area.
Regardless of whether your sofa finds its home in your living room or study, choose a neutral color for the couch, and then decorate with pillows that match your current design to keep your furniture in fashion for years to come. Using this technique, you can redecorate periodically without spending a fortune.
